Ensnared (The Spider's Mate, #1)

by Tiffany Roberts

“I have lost most everything because of her,” Ketahn said, keeping his voice low despite the flare of angry heat in his chest. “If she takes anything more, it will be on my terms.”

“Your every act of defiance, Ketahn, serves as proof that you are to be my mate. You alone are worthy of that honor.” Ketahn was aware of eyes upon him—dozens, hundreds, the eyes of every vrix in Takarahl, perhaps even the eyes of the Eight. But he could see only Zurvashi’s. “But you are not worthy, Zurvashi,” he said.

And this unique creature was his female. She belonged to him. Many vrix had tamed wild creatures as pets; why should he not have one of his own?

If nothing else, she was his. He would unravel her mysteries one thread at a time if necessary. But he would not take her to Takarahl, would not bring her before the queen. He would not share her with anyone.

“Eyes and hands as—” Ketahn halted the spear and his words at the same instant. The only thing on the spearhead was water, sparkling in the sunlight. No fish. A loud snort escaped her. It was followed by uncontrollable laughter that had her doubling over as she pointed at his spear. “Not as good as you think, huh?”

Ivy growled and scrubbed her hands down her face. “I can’t even with you. You make it so I don’t want to be mad, but I do want to be mad, and I should be mad, so I am mad.”

His eyes remained narrow, and his mandibles twitched upward slightly—an almost smile. “But you were not still, and you were not out of sight.” “Ohhhh. I was supposed to do all three?” Ivy snapped her fingers. “Well, I guess I’ll remember that for next time.”

to examine it. “I would see you clad in silk.” He dropped the leaf and cupped the underside of her jaw, angling her face toward his as he took her hips between two of his hands. “I will see you clad in my silk.”

“Now you are mine, my nyleea. My mate.” He smoothed a hand over her hair. “My heartsthread.”